Donald Tusk calls on Poland’s government to respect constitution

European Council President Donald Tusk has called on Poland’s political leaders to respect the country’s constitution during a speech delivered at Warsaw University on Constitution Day.

“I would like to end all speculation right away: those who say that, as the head of the European Council, I should not engage in a campaign for a chosen political party, because it is not the role of my office, are right. It is my right and duty as president of the Council of Europe to support Europeans in every EU country, all those who have insisted, sometimes in difficult circumstances, to connect people and not to divide people,” the former Polish prime minister and leader of the opposition Civic Platform (PO) stated.

Mr Tusk also addressed the quality of the political debate in Poland.

“Politics means competition, but it cannot be a battle to the death. It cannot be similar to the battle field in Winterfell: I admit openly, I watch Game of Thrones. I don’t know if this will be a spoiler or not but I know one thing for certain: if we do not find a way of limiting the level of aggression in Poland, it might end up in a confrontation with a Night King.”

He also made a reference to the Targowica Confederation, established by Polish and Lithuanian magnates who opposed the Constitution of May 3, 1791, and now regarded as treason.

“This lesson is also important today, not only in Poland… This is a lesson about how easy it is to refer to national emotions, flatter national emotions, acting in a way that is contrary to national interests. It is worth recalling that the essence of Targowica’s betrayal was the overthrow of the Constitution. The Constitution is not sacred or a dogma, after all, any Constitution can be changed and improved. If something is holy, it is sacred to be obeyed by all citizens, and especially by authority” Mr Tusk stressed, adding, “It can’t be that those in power once a year celebrate the Constitution but disrespect it on a daily basis.”